Vancouver, B.C., January 4, 2013 - Empire Mining Corporation (EPC: TSX-V) ("Empire") announces that its Directors have approved a name change to Columbus Copper Corporation.

The change will take effect at the opening of trading on January 10, 2013 - Empire will commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the new name Columbus Copper Corporation and the new ticker symbol CCU. There is no consolidation of capital.

The changes emphasize Empire's concentration on its growing copper portfolio in Turkey and Serbia and in the general Balkan area of Europe. The changes are also motivated by efforts to further integrate within the Columbus Group with a view to reducing operating and overhead costs.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Robert Giustra
Chairman

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information contact:
Investor Relations
604-634-0970 or
1-888-818-1364


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